KidBibs #LT30: Activity Instead of Action: Children's Gifts That Cost Less and Give More

LearningTip #30:
Activity Instead of Action:
Children's Gifts That Cost Less and Give More

By Joyce Melton Pagés, Ed.D.
Mother of two children, President of KidBibs

Remote controls, battery-operated toys, and joysticks provide children with action play. Indeed, manufacturers have been very busy all year designing and building toys that will amaze and excite children. Unfortunately, many of these toys require very little of children. They watch, press buttons, or move a joystick. This often requires little creativity and thinking. While there is action, there is little activity.

Quality toys for children keep them actively involved--not watching--but doing. Active involvement means that children are:

Play is a very important contributor to the development of children. Through play, children:

* learn about their world
* develop language
* develop strategies for getting along with others
* develop their body strength and coordination
* learn how to make decisions
* learn how to solve problems
* learn about themselves
and much more!

One basic principle defines gift-giving which instills a sense of gratitude, promotes learning, supports growth, and entertains children in meaningful ways. That principle is:

When the gift is simple, the child does the playing, exploring, creating, thinking, and learning...instead of the manufacturers!

Moving away from the effective marketing strategies used my toy manufacturers is difficult for parents and children. But, the joy that parents experience when they see the creations and ideas of their children is incredible!

Teacher Tips

1. Supply parents with ideas about buying toys and books for children. Share this article if you wish.

2. Inform parents of web sites that can help them make informed decisions about children's toys and books.

3. Encourage parents to support their child's interests and hobbies; this is a great way to promote learning and encourage reading.

Parent Tips

1. Look beyond toy stores and bookstores for materials that children will enjoy. For example, office supply stores have many kinds of paper and tape that children can use for making props for their creative play. Fabric stores have many kinds of fabric (including cheap remnants) that children can use when making costumes, puppets, and props, etc.

2. Put together a FunBucket for your child. Collect and organize a wide variety of materials that your child can use for creating puppets, props, costumes, etc. Include paper, markers, tape, fabric, "rolly" eyes, felt, yarn, ribbon, glue, etc. Decorate the bucket with your child's name: "Colton's Fun Bucket" and put it where s/he can gain access to it easily. Other ideas for FunBuckets will probably be suggested by the gift lists below.

3. Provide children with toys and books that are appropriate for their age level. The books in these lists are linked to Amazon.com for secure online purchase.

Gifts for Babies and/or Toddlers

Gifts for 4 to 8-year-olds

Gifts for 9 to 12-year-olds

4. Age ranges are provided to guide the purchase of toys for children. When purchasing craft materials, make sure that safety guides your selection of scissors, paints, glue, etc.

Toys can promote fun, inspire creativity, stimulate thinking, and support growth! You'll discover talents that your child is developing.

When you think activity instead of action---you'll be surprised at what can happen!